In a time where exclusion and hatred has reared it’s ugly head, it’s imperative to have people out there promoting peace and inclusion. Luckily, Queens based non profit organization 1WorldFestGlobal has taken the initiative to do just that.
1 World’s CEO Kamell Ellis started the 501(c)(3) organization with a few things in mind; promote inclusion, diversity, peace and understanding. When asked what inspired him to launch a company with such a powerful message he responded “right now we live in a world where people are so concerned with our differences they don’t realize how much we are the same, so if we can bring people together and show that despite race, gender or ethnicity we are more the same then we are different, it sparks the conversation for unity and inclusion.” Kamell knows that this is no easy task, so to help him with his mission he put together an advisory board, and junior advisory board of like minded individuals who see the importance of supporting 1 World’s mission.
1World has already made a huge imprint in the NYC area. This past February 1WFG collaborated with project E.S.T.E.A.M for the “Embrace Diversity Program.” The organization went to New Heights middle school in Brooklyn, New York and conducted an assembly for the students. A few members of the executive board shared some of their personal experiences with racism and exclusion. Kamell spoke about his upbringing and being bullied in school because of his freckles and hair texture. Going to a predominately black school the kids never identified Kamell as one of them. Advisory board member Lisa Ray spoke about being a fair skinned Puerto Rican living in an African American neighborhood. Although Lisa was also black; because of her complexion the black children would always test her. Executive board member Leslie delivered a story so chilling there wasn’t a sound in the auditorium when she was done speaking. Leslie spoke about growing up in Brooklyn during a time where racial tension was at it’s height, and being the product of an interracial relationship made her upbringing an extremely difficult one. But the part that left the room speechless was about her father. Her dad was serving time in prison and the CO’s had a problem seeing this white woman coming to visit this black man with their biracial children. They’d always make little insulting comments about it, but one day her dad was found dead in his cell set afire. The correction officers had locked him in his cell poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Painting these visuals for the children allowed them to see how far we’ve come and how important it is to keep going.
Radio1WorldFestGlobal is another avenue that has been extremely helpful with promoting the message. Every segment is focused on highlighting diversity. Dealing with topics that are global in scope and local in impact is the main agenda. The guests have spanned from African refugees, Native American musicians, Haitian doctors, and a host of other nationalities. Ultimately, 1WFG will be hosting a festival called 1 World Fest where every culture and nationality will be displayed on one stage. Music, food, art, technology and a plethora of other things will be shared and displayed for all to see and experience. To learn more about the organization visit the website at www.1world.global, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and check out 1 World radio. And look out for the next event you can take part in.
– Malachi Davis
